HFAW is a collective project that uses the idea of the artist’s studio as catalyst for mutual engagement between artists and communities. The “Habitats” are small, temporary, 6’ by 6’ studios installed in locations visible and accessible to the public. HFAW invites artists to work in residence in these small, temporary studios. While exploring their own creative process, the artists engages in active dialogues with the local community. The public is invited to an art interaction outside the traditional formats of museum or gallery, allowing for a more nuanced and enriched understanding of art making.

Anne using the Sign-O-matic portable letterpress.

Sandy Sampson and Anne Greenwood occupied the Habitat during the month of April. While hammering out the names of visitors with letter set punches (below), we printed engagement forms with a Douglasfir wood grain using a Sign-O-Matic portable letterpress. Passersby nominated neighborhood residents or business owners for a merit award and made a personalized 'yard trophy' as commemoration.

Sandy working on a yard trophy.

Many folks from the ReBuilding Center were nominated for their creativity or their community vision. ReBuilding center executive director, Shane Endicott was nominated as "King Salvage".

Names and quotes from participants.

Anne and Sandy assembled many of the 'yard trophies' as some nominations came via a walking solicitation survey of the neighborhood business owners, patrons, or employees.